VIDEO: Celebrity Edge Sets Sail from Juneau Amid Sudden Squall

Strong winds struck Juneau, Alaska, on June 16, 2025, causing significant disruptions for the Celebrity Edge cruise ship moored there. A sudden afternoon squall brought gusts of 45 to 60 mph, triggering a thunderstorm warning that had not been issued in nearly six years.

Videos taken by onlookers and passengers showed the ship’s mooring lines snapping one after another as the harsh winds and pouring rain hit. Witnesses described the rapid onset of the storm, with the sky darkening dramatically and winds gaining in intensity.

A spokesperson from the Royal Caribbean Group confirmed that the squall had unexpectedly dislodged the Celebrity Edge from the pier. The captain skillfully managed to guide the ship back alongside the pier, allowing it to resume its planned itinerary without any reported injuries or incidents.

Local meteorologists noted that wind speeds shifted dramatically, jumping from 5 mph to 26 mph in just over an hour. Harbor officials described the situation as a "perfect storm," with winds hitting from the side, exceeding the strength of the mooring lines. To safeguard the pier, all lines were released.

Passengers praised the crew’s calm and professional response during the crisis. One passenger noted that the ship was secured back at the pier within an hour after crew members worked to clear the debris from the water.

Nearby vessels also took precautionary measures, with one ship pulling away to avoid potential collisions.

This incident is part of a concerning trend, as other cruise ships, including HAL-Holland America’s Westerdam in Ketchikan and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic in Sicily, have also faced mooring line failures during severe wind events lately. Fortunately, those incidents did not result in serious injuries.

Following the storm, the Celebrity Edge continued its journey, heading to Skagway as planned, completing its seven-night route originating from Seattle. This event serves as a reminder that even while docked, ships can be at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions.

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